Melania Trump Urges Unity After Minneapolis Shootings in Rare Statement
Melania Trump has called for national unity and peaceful protest following the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, breaking her usual public silence on current affairs during her husband’s second term.
Melania Trump
Speaking to Fox News in her first on camera interview since the 2024 presidential transition, the first lady said Americans needed to come together as tensions rise over immigration enforcement and policing.
“We need to unify. I’m calling for unity,” she said. “I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots.”
It is rare for Melania Trump to address live political controversies. Her appearance, broadcast from the White House, comes days before the release of her self titled documentary, marking a notable shift from the low profile she has kept for much of President Donald Trump’s second term.
The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents has prompted widespread protests and drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Lawmakers, conservative commentators and even the National Rifle Association have pushed back against the administration’s early rhetoric, which portrayed Pretti as a violent threat. Bystander video later appeared to contradict that account, intensifying public backlash and forcing the White House to soften its tone.
“I’m against the violence,” the first lady said. “So please, if you protest, protest in peace. We need to unify in these times.”
After spending much of the early months of the term in Florida and New York, Melania Trump has gradually increased her public engagements ahead of the documentary’s release. She is due to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday and attend a premiere at the Kennedy Center with the president on Thursday evening.
As unrest unfolded in Minnesota over the weekend, the White House hosted a private screening of the documentary for a small group of guests, including Apple chief executive Tim Cook, boxer Mike Tyson and Queen Rania of Jordan. Attendees watched the film while sampling popcorn branded with the title “Melania” and listening to music from the soundtrack.
The project represents a major investment for Amazon MGM Studios, which has reportedly spent tens of millions of dollars on production and promotion. The documentary follows the 20 days leading up to Trump’s return to the White House and offers a rare look at the couple’s private relationship.
“I give him my advice, and I tell him what I think,” Melania Trump said when asked about her role in the president’s day to day decision making. “Sometimes he listens, sometimes he doesn’t. But I am here to support him. Open communication is very important.”
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She also discussed the decision to end the trailer with a phone call between her and the president, filmed as she looks out over the Manhattan skyline.
“Hi, Mr President. Congratulations,” she says in the clip, before Trump asks whether she has watched the film.
“I did not. I will see it on the news,” she replies.
The first lady said she was closely involved in shaping the documentary, including overseeing production and selecting the trailer, with the aim of showing viewers the private side of her marriage.
The president, she said, loved the film when he saw it during the private screening. Their son Barron also enjoyed it, while her stepchildren are yet to watch it.
Her call for unity, delivered at a moment of national tension, underscores a carefully timed return to the public eye as scrutiny of the administration’s response to the Minneapolis shootings continues to grow.
